Cardiac stress tests

Before we can begin treatment for your heart problem, you may need some tests to give us more information about your heart condition. This particular test is known by several names. It can be called an Exercise Stress Test, or an Exercise Tolerance Test, and can be done on treadmill or bicycle.

A doctor may order a cardiac stress test to check how well the heart works during exercise. It helps detect heart problems, like blocked blood vessels and other problems. The test can also see if treatments are effective. It can also check the recovery after heart events like heart attacks or surgeries.

Please allow at least two hours for checking in, setting up equipment and changing. The test itself takes about one hour. To prepare for the test:

• Have only a light snack in the 2-3 hours before the test (e.g. toast, cookies, bagel, sandwich or some fruit)
• Bring comfortable shoes and shorts or pants that are easy for walking
• Arrive 10 minutes before your appointment time to check in
• Bring a list of ALL medications you are taking, photo identification and your BC Services Card (or BC Care Card)
• Be sure you allow 2 hours for the test, from beginning to end

Before we begin the test, your care team will attach sticky patches, called electrodes, to your chest. These patches lead to a machine. It records the electrical signals that create heart rhythms. We will take this recording while you exercise on a regular treadmill.

A cardiology technologist will be with you throughout the test. During the test, it's important to communicate any discomfort or symptoms. For example, chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness. If necessary, you can stop the test. Your healthcare team has training to handle any complications or emergencies that may arise.

Other things you should expect:

• We will ask you to undress from the waist up and wear a hospital gown
• We will clean your skin, and if necessary, shave or clip the hair so the patches stick well
• We attach a blood pressure cuff and a probe (a soft clip) on your finger, to monitor your vital signs while you exercise
• Before you start the test, we will show you how to get on and walk on the treadmill
• The treadmill starts slowly at first. It gradually gets faster and steeper every 3 minutes
• We will take your blood pressure often while you exercise
• As you continue to exercise, the test will become harder and your pulse and blood pressure will rise. This is normal. Specially trained staff will be closely monitoring you
• We want you to exercise for as long as you can, because this increases the accuracy of the test
• If you feel you can’t continue (because you’re tired or short of breath, etc.), tell the technologist. They will slow the treadmill down to a stop
• After you get off the treadmill, we will take a final blood pressure within a minute after stopping the test

You can get dressed and go home. A cardiologist (heart doctor) will review the test. They will then send a report to your doctor, usually within 3-4 days.

The Indigenous Wellness Liaison Team is here to support your health journey. Team members offer cultural support and healthcare advocacy. Learn more below or call them at 604-682-2344,62937 or email IWL@providencehealth.bc.ca.

Stress tests may be performed in the Cardiology Lab or the Davie Heart Rhythm Clinic. Please double-check which location you are booked for.

Cardiology Department
Room 2450, Providence Wing,  St. Paul’s Hospital

Follow the red line on the floor from the Burrard main entrance all the way to the end.

Transportation & parking

Remember to allow time before your Cardiac Stress Test to get from your car or transit to the test area in the Cardiology Department. When you arrive at St. Paul’s Hospital, enter through the main doors off Burrard Street. If you are not sure where to go, ask a volunteer or the Information Desk for directions to the Cardiology Department. Tell them you’re here for a Cardiac Stress Test.

Davie Heart Rhythm Clinic
Room 211, Davie Building

This clinic is located around the corner from St. Paul’s Hospital at 1033 Davie Street.

Hours

Monday to Friday
8:00 a.m. — 4:00 p.m.